a buddy that i fish with is looking into getting a drift boat ....are there any dealers closer than the ones out west or any dealers that can order drift boats or carry used drift boats east of the mississippi..... he has searched on line and every place seems to be way out west that sells drift boats ... thaxs for any help dan

billyspey

11-03-2009 08:13 PM

i have a 2004 16 ft lp clakacraft for sale. j know of a new 2009 hyde w/g4 bottom forsale if interested emal me sizor@comcast .net for more info.

foureyes

11-03-2009 08:47 PM

noob question

Sorry to steal attention away from the original poster, but I have a quick question.

I'm new to fly fishing so please excuse my ignorance, but.....

Can you safely operate a drift boat alone or do you need a buddy? How well can you anchor in swift rapids allowing the solo fisherman to fish the "run"?
I know it greatly depends how aggressive the water but I just wanted to get any idea of the pros and cons of owning a drift boat.

thanks

Randy Ratliff

11-03-2009 09:13 PM

...............

Grumpy

11-04-2009 08:34 AM

Clacka has a dealer in Michigan, looks like Randy may have beat ya to the punch on Bill's boat.

Grumpy

Troutman

11-05-2009 12:26 PM

I've floated in both Mckensie style and skiffs with guides. I am surprised that you don't see more skiffs being used around here. What are the rowing differences between the two types? Other than the HI, the local tailwaters don't really have lots of technical rowing sections and it seems like a skiff is better in windy conditions and are sure alot easier to get in and out of.
What are your ,(those with experience), thoughts on this?

MadisonBoats

11-05-2009 07:26 PM

Troutman,
I am a big fan of skiffs. I think most of the brand name drift boats are over-designed for the conditions in the E. US.

That being said; I am currently working on several designs to better suit these conditions. I hope to have a model out by sometime next year that would be about half the price of the current brand models with more features, better quality, and minimal shipping overhead...

Josh Pfeiffer

11-05-2009 08:22 PM

I just bought one and went to Idaho to get it. I think there are some dealers in Michigan though and the shipping might be cheaper.

mstone

11-07-2009 11:38 PM

billyspey,
What were you asking for the Clackacraft ?
Just curious..
mstone

Tellico Angler

11-11-2009 11:48 AM

Drift Boat

Hiwassee Angler fly shop in Reliance, TN is a Clacka Pro Shop. I work there. We don't have any boats in stock right now, but do still have accessories in stock such as oars, anchors, etc.. We should be getting boats any time now. We have to wait on the next shipment to head this way, and then they will drop ours off while they are in the area.